The main trunk of my honeysuckle has been deteriorating for at least 3 years. The top looks great, just as it should ; blooming and fruit bearing beautifully. I'm concerned that the whole thing might come crashing down on the house. Do you have any idea what is going on? The only "wildlife" here are squirrels.
Looks like damage from something chewing or scratching. I would get some tree protector material and wrap it loosely- I think it is perforated for air.
Is that sort of damage any higher up? Or just on that lower area?
Higher up suggests something that can climb (I have seen squirrel damage on Crape Myrtle, and it was all over the trunk and main branches- all the pretty patterened bark was gone)
If it is only on that lower area this suggests something that is less willing or unable to climb.
For example, a cat that is stretching its claw muscles. They usually do this lower down, from the ground, even though they can climb just fine.
Rabbits usually eat, not claw, but they cannot climb.
Mice, Voles and Gophers are so small their damage is really close to the ground (
It extends up the trunk almost 5 ft. There seems to be a lot of ants on it.
Here's a few more photos.:
That is going to be a tricky one to protect. I do not think the tree guard is going to be the answer here. Get a roll of wire mesh. Might be sold as hardware cloth, galvanized mesh or other names. The wires might be 1/2" x 1/2" or as close as 1/4" both ways. Get a long enough piece to wrap around the plant to exclude whatever it is. I am thinking one large cylinder of mesh. Connect to the wood fence on that one side.
Damage is up to 5' high? Then buy 6' high mesh, and fold over that top foot and snug it against the plant so whatever is doing this cannot climb down inside.
Then keep a sharp eye out! If a critter can climb to 5' on the plant,now, the mesh might act like a ladder and the critter could start damaging the plant even higher up.
Any kids in the neighboorhood?
When is the damage occuring at night?
No kids.
I don't know when it is happening. I only see the results.
